Ex-Naked and DDB creative and founder of social media agency Hungry Beast, Simon Veksner, has joined BuzzFeed Australia as the publisher’s first senior creative lead.
Veksner will now close the doors of Hungry Beast after two and a half years.
In his new role, Veksner will oversee branded content across Australia and APAC, leading the Sydney creative team and reporting to New York ECD Richard Reid.
The announcement comes as BuzzFeed expands its product offering in the Asia-Pacific region and launches localised video production for custom branded content and global franchises Tasty and Bring Me.
"I've been a fan of BuzzFeed’s work for a long, long time. They're a genuinely innovative company, and I feel their values are very much aligned with my own," Veksner says.
"BuzzFeed is experiencing spectacular growth all around the world, and I'm excited to be given the opportunity to help Australian marketers tap into what BuzzFeed can offer."
Reid says Veksner is "perfectly positioned" to take BuzzFeed's branded content offering to the next level.
“We’re thrilled to have Simon on board, and to see the continued growth of our business in Australia and APAC," he says.
BuzzFeed has been rapidly growing its presence in the Australian market since opening three years ago.
Last year, the youth-focused publisher launched its popular franchise Tasty in Australia, opening up the format to Australian advertisers.
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